How to Win the Phone Sales Interview

Prepping to Win the Phone Sales Interview

• First things first – the purpose of the phone sales interview is to get an in-person interview. It is impossible for you to accurately measure an opportunity’s fit via the phone. Focus on getting the next step set up.
• Avoid conducting phone interviews on a cell phone. Coverage can be unreliable, making the interviewer think that the interview is not your top priority.
• Write down any questions that you want to ask in advance. Have the list in front of you, along with a pad of paper and pen for notes. Take advantage of the fact that they can’t see you.
• Put a suit on if it makes you feel more professional.
• Go to a room where you will not be disturbed by any noises or distractions.
• Block out an hour even if you are told it will only be a 30-minute call (better safe than sorry).
• Remember that they want you to do a phone interview first to see how well you will come across to their clients on the phone.
• Do your research on the company and the industry. Spend about 30-60 mins on the web prior to the interview. Know why you are interested in the company/position, what they do, and how you can help them do it better.
• Know yourself. This is more important than what you know about their company because they are hiring salespeople, not researchers.
• Have your resume directly in front of you. It doesn’t look good if you get dates or facts wrong. Write out your sales performance year by year – know your #s!
• Are you ready to answer standard sales interview questions? Review our list of top sales interview questions with examples of how to answer them.
• Be prepared for situational questions such these: Tell me about your greatest accomplishment, greatest sale, toughest sale, the biggest sale you lost, and so on. Our quick guide, How to Answer Sales Situational Interview Questions, gives you a simple framework to ace these questions.
• Anticipate questions. If you have a gap in your resume or a short stint at a company, you can bet the interviewer will ask you about it. Be prepared.

During the Phone Sales Interview

• Stand up! It allows for a greater flow of air through your lungs, and your voice will sound better.
• Smile. You know the old adage that you can “hear a smile through the phone.”
• The 3 Es – Energy, Enthusiasm, and Excitement. Convey your energy via the phone. Remember that your voice is all that you have over the phone.
• When they ask if you have any questions be ready with a few strong ones such as: How long have you been with xyz company? What enticed you to come to work here? What keeps you here now? What are the strengths of the company? What are the weaknesses? Ask a few company questions that show you are in it for the long haul, such as: What is going to keep your company competitive in the future? What are the career opportunities in the future? Where do you see the industry going? Never ask questions about salary or benefits (those are questions to be answered after they have established their interest in you). Use this portion of the interview to lead into your close. For a more complete guide to closing questions, read Smart Questions to Ask at the End of the Interview.
• Always ask for the next step unless they already gave you a concrete time and date for the next interview. After all, this is a sales interview, and a big part of selling is closing.
• Prior to closing, ask for and uncover any hesitations the hiring manager may have. It might be a simple misunderstanding, or it might be a concern you can easily handle. Overcome it, then ask them for the next step.
• Final tip – have fun!

Post the Phone Sales Interview:

• Send an email thank you letter the same day to show your follow-up skills, interest, and professionalism. To help, we created an Interview Follow Up Email Template. Be sure to spell-check your e-mail and have someone check your grammar.
• Establish a day that you will call to follow up and then follow through.

Good luck with winning your phone sales interview!